1. Kapiti Cheese
Elliott Stables, Elliott St, Auckland.
With sampling and cheese appreciation evenings, whole cheese wheels for sale and staff who love their product, this is a great stop during a city lunchtime. Taste, buy and then pick up delicious Kapiti icecream to finish.
2. La Cigale French Market
69 St Georges Bay Rd, Parnell.
One of the largest selections of exquisite stinky cheeses from France, Italy, Switzerland and Great Britain - including unpasteurised treasures - plus some local artisan cheeses. Full tastings at the weekend and Wednesday markets, where you can also pick up breads and fresh produce.
3. C'est Fromage
585 Remuera Rd, Remuera; 5 McColl St, Newmarket; and 5 Maskell St, St Heliers.
More than 90 varieties of French cheeses and plus a delicious range of charcuterie and terrines. Add some fruit, pickles, fresh bread and a bottle of wine for the easiest summer dinner.
4. Jones the Grocer
143 Carlton Gore Rd, Newmarket.
Artisan cheeses from around the world are sold from the store's centrepiece chilled cheese room, where cheeses naturally ripen to their peak. Experts help with selection, classes in cheese appreciation and wine matching.
